Just a year after it purchased the Chuggington franchise from UK-based Ludorum, Georgia-based Herschend Entertainment Studios (HES) has it ready for a relaunch.
The sixth season of Chuggington will premiere on Disney Junior in the U.S. next year, coinciding with the brand’s 10th anniversary. Disney Junior’s relationship with Chuggington dates back to the premiere of the first season in January 2010.
This has been a year of preparation for HES, which expanded its executive ranks to strengthen brand-building and inked a deal with Alpha Group to take the reigns as master toy partner.
“Disney Junior is a world-class brand, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that Chuggington will continue to entertain children across the U.S. with fun and exciting new adventures,” says Natalie Setton, HES’ vice president of commercial, content distribution, and licensing.
Emmy Award-nominee Michael G. Stern (Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and the Neverland Pirates) serves as the head writer and co-executive producer for season six. Julie Phillips, HES’ vice president, serves as executive producer. HES plans a fresh approach for the new season, “with new formats, elements, and storytelling styles.” There are 52 10-minute animated episodes in production, alongside 26 all-new hybrid live-action/animated shorts.
